As we honor this year’s “Most Influential Women in Optical,” we also continue shining a spotlight on the next generation of optical professionals—recent female graduates from optometry colleges and opticianry programs nationwide.

The students in VM’s “Class of 2011” Special Report have been selected by their respective schools for this report. They all have excellent academic achievement, are in honor societies, and have received awards and scholarships, but they have also distinguished themselves by doing research projects, going on volunteer missions, and participating in professional organizations.
The new optometrists love optometry because it offers them options and more time with patients. The new opticians also wanted to be in the health-care industry, and found the profession to be the right fit for them.

This marks the 6th edition of our special section, underwritten by a grant from the Luxottica Group. We are proud to present this new group to you.
■–Seth J. Bookey
Contributing Editor